The bond between a dog and its human parent is unbreakable. From meeting each other for the first time to sharing everything, it’s a friendship unlike anything else.

This is what Sgt. Jacob Varela, U.S. Marine Corps, learned from all the years he spent with his canine best friend and partner in service, Atilla.

Varela told CNN,

“We were together for everything. Everywhere I went, he was with me. When we were out in the field, out there for a month, month and a half, whatever, I mean, he was with me. If I was drinking water, he was drinking water, if I was eating, he was eating. He becomes like your teammate.”

Atilla, a combat tracker with the designation Atilla R7-89, and Varela were inseparable.

It wasn’t your typical working relationship – they both knew they wanted to be in each other’s lives.

However, because of the demands of their jobs, they had to accept that they wouldn’t always be working together. After 2017, the pair never saw each other again.

But the separation didn’t mean they forgot about each other.

When Sgt. Varela heard that Atilla was retiring, he knew he had to see his buddy again. Kristen Maurer of Mission K-9 rescue was more than happy to help.

She shared,

“These dogs serve with these guys, they spend 24/7 training with them, putting their lives on the line together, so there’s a bond that we can’t understand.”

It didn’t take long for Varela to plan their reunion. He waited patiently for Southwest Airlines Flight 7 to land at Midway.

And that’s when they saw each other again. The excited, retired marine opened his arms as he called for his buddy. “Come here! Come here!”

Immediately recognizing his best friend, Atilla ran towards Varela, wagging and excited.

Atilla’s heartwarming reaction was the reassurance Varela needed. He knew the dog never forgot and that it was just as ecstatic to be with him again.

Varela and Atilla weren’t the only ones fortunate enough to reunite again.

Sgt. Angela Cardone found a best friend in Bogi, the dog she worked with in Japan for over a year. She had to bid her best canine buddy farewell when reassigned to Hawaii.

When she heard Bogi was retiring due to a neck injury, she knew she needed to step in.

Sgt. Cardone sought the help of American Humane in adopting Bogi.

Now, the two have no more reason to part again. Talk about a modern-day happily ever after!

It takes a special bond to withstand time and distance. Atilla and Bogi changed the lives of their handlers. What a comforting thought that they were loved and taken care of beyond their duties.

Now, they can enjoy each other’s company every day and hopefully inspire others in the service to extend the same compassion toward their loyal companions.

You’ll love this video if you’ve got a soft spot for dogs.

Grab your tissues and get ready to tear up with this happy reunion!

Please SHARE this with your friends and family.

Source: CBS 42, People, Twitter – MikeLoweReports, Twitter – AngieCardone